Manila: National University (NU) moved closer to retaining the UAAP Season 88 women's basketball title after defeating the University of Santo Tomas (UST), 84-79, in Game 1 of the best-of-three finals series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday. Angel Surada, Marga Villanueva, Kristine Cayabyab, and Marylene Solis led the Lady Bulldogs with double-digit scores, showcasing their composure in the fourth quarter to halt the Growling Tigresses' 13-0 winning streak.
According to Philippines News Agency, Surada expressed her disbelief in the victory, attributing it to faith and strategy. "We don't know how we got the win because Coach DA said that in the eliminations, UST was throwing a lot at us, so God helped us win. We just believed in the game plan and we just followed the coaches," Surada said. Surada contributed 19 points, seven rebounds, five steals, three assists, and a block for NU, which suffered losses to UST, 62-76, and 85-105, in the elimination round. Villanueva added 17 points, while Cayabyab and Solis scored 11 points each.
NU head coach DA Olan expressed relief and satisfaction with the victory. "We feel relieved because during the eliminations, we got swept by UST. We're happy, finally we're able to get a win against them and what a timing that it's in the finals," Olan stated. NU aims for its ninth title in 10 seasons in Game 2 at the SM Mall of Asia on Wednesday. Season 85 MVP Eka Soriano scored 20 points for UST, while Kent Pastrana added 15 points for the team, which held a 70-67 lead with 6:19 left to play.
In the boys' U16 title series, David Sabareza's 31 points propelled the Bullpups to a 79-49 victory over Far Eastern University-Diliman Baby Tamaraws in Game 1. The 16-year-old forward's impressive 26-point performance in the first half gave National University Nazareth School (NUNS) a commanding 47-29 lead at halftime. NUNS head coach Leo Pujante emphasized the importance of respecting their opponents despite previous victories. The Bullpups aim to secure the title with a sweep in Game 2 on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, NU did not advance in the men's division finals, falling to De La Salle University, 73-78. Jacob Cortez led the Green Archers with 29 points, setting up a championship clash with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons for the third consecutive season.
